Empowered for Mission to Witnesses Near and Far

Sometime in September of 1991, some 33 years ago, a guy about my age who I didn’t know very well invited me to do a Bible study.

I grew up in a very religious home. I could have told you that Jesus was the Son of God.

I could have articulated the concept of the Trinity.

I knew and was able to sing “Amazing Grace” and “How Great Thou Art.”

I faithfully went to church weekly and depending on the church calendar, sometimes more during the holy weeks of the year.

I mean from the outside, I had it going on in the “religion” department.

I even went to a private religious school from 1st grade until 12th grade.

I felt pretty good about my standing with God.

I had all my ducks in a row, I was a pretty good person, and God was fortunate to have me on His team.

The only problem was, I wasn’t on His team.

I wasn’t even close to His playing field!

In fact, I was playing for the other team and didn’t even realize it until someone took the time to walk me through the Scriptures to show me the truth about myself.

The truth about me was…

I was lost - an enemy of God.

I needed rescue from the wrath of God.

The only one who could rescue me is the Son of God, Jesus.

And it was only by faith in Christ and repentance of my sin that I could have a relationship with God.

And so in 1991, I repented of my sin and trusted Christ alone as my Savior.

And He transformed me, that instant, into a child of God.

All of that happened because someone was empowered by the Holy Spirit to faithfully witness to me about the love of God that was manifested in the saving work of Jesus Christ.

As we focus on Driving Missions Home, I want to challenge all of us that we can be empowered by the Holy Spirit to witness to others to lead them to a saving relationship with Jesus.

You can do this in Bangladesh, Germany, Australia, Haiti, Jordan, Utah, or here in Allendale.

But we must do it!

Main Idea: You Are God’s Partner in Your Witness Wherever You Go!

Today we are going to walk through a passage of Scripture that shows the embryonic stage of the new Church.

It is written by Luke. The same Luke who wrote the Gospel according to Luke.

Let’s review the whole text that was just read for us. And then our focus of this morning will be verse 8 - the thesis of this important, transitional letter.

Acts 1:1–11 (ESV)

In the first book, O Theophilus, I have dealt with all that Jesus began to do and teach, until the day when he was taken up, after he had given commands through the Holy Spirit to the apostles whom he had chosen. He presented himself alive to them after his suffering by many proofs, appearing to them during forty days and speaking about the kingdom of God. And while staying with them he ordered them not to depart from Jerusalem, but to wait for the promise of the Father, which, he said, “you heard from me; for John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now.” So when they had come together, they asked him, “Lord, will you at this time restore the kingdom to Israel?” He said to them, “It is not for you to know times or seasons that the Father has fixed by his own authority. But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.” And when he had said these things, as they were looking on, he was lifted up, and a cloud took him out of their sight. And while they were gazing into heaven as he went, behold, two men stood by them in white robes, and said, “Men of Galilee, why do you stand looking into heaven? This Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will come in the same way as you saw him go into heaven.”

Folks, can you put yourself in this amazing time in history?

Something is about to be born that had never existed - the Church!

And these disciples were going to be the ones God uses to make this organism come to life.

And the Angels were right there challenging them to get at it!

And do you know what? That challenge is still there for you and me.

Unfortunately we are not taking His challenge seriously.

A study by LifeWay found that 25% of churchgoers reported sharing their faith once or twice in the past six months, but specific statistics for monthly sharing were not highlighted. However, the general trends suggest that while many Christians believe sharing their faith is important, actual consistent monthly outreach is less common.

For example, 64% of Christians prayed for the salvation of someone in the past month, but this prayer does not always translate to sharing the gospel verbally​(The Gospel Coalition)​(Christian Post)​(Christian Post).

What will it take for us the church to start acting like the first century church?

1. The Power Source for Missions Is Closer Than You Think!

Acts 1:8 (ESV)

But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you…

Jesus' final promise before ascending to heaven is what?

Power from the Holy Spirit.

They didn’t need to do anything, they were already children of God, but their would be a special manifestation of the Holy Spirit that would be given to them.

Power: (δύναμις) This isn't human power or mere enthusiasm, but the empowering work of the Holy Spirit.

You must understand how dependent you are on the empowering ministry of the Holy Spirit.

You and I can do NOTHING ETERNAL except through the empowerment of the Holy Spirit.

We can achieve nothing spiritual apart through the ministry of the God’s Spirit.

Ephesians 5:18 (ESV)

And do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery, but be filled with the Spirit,

Galatians 5:16–18 (ESV)

But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. For the desires of the flesh are against the Spirit, and the desires of the Spirit are against the flesh, for these are opposed to each other, to keep you from doing the things you want to do. But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law.

By the way, I argue that even Jesus Christ was empowered in His incarnation to do the work of the ministry.

Do you remember the baptism scene of Jesus?

Mark 1:9–11 (ESV)

In those days Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan. And when he came up out of the water, immediately he saw the heavens being torn open and the Spirit descending on him like a dove. And a voice came from heaven, “You are my beloved Son; with you I am well pleased.”

If you remember from a few weeks ago I taught you about the Spirit’s ministry with Jesus.

God anointed him with His Spirit (Theocratic Anointing)

This baptism event was the inauguration of His Kingdom!

Do you know what happen right after Jesus was Baptized? Look at verse 12…

Mark 1:12 (ESV)

The Spirit immediately drove him out into the wilderness.

The Holy Spirit empowered the life and work of Jesus and, guess what?

The Holy Spirit wants to do the same with you.

Missions starts not with our ability but with God's provision of the Holy Spirit.

Luke 24:49 (ESV)

And behold, I am sending the promise of my Father upon you. But stay in the city until you are clothed with power from on high.”

John 15:26 (ESV)

“But when the Helper comes, whom I will send to you from the Father, the Spirit of truth, who proceeds from the Father, he will bear witness about me.

John 16:7 (ESV)

Nevertheless, I tell you the truth: it is to your advantage that I go away, for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you. But if I go, I will send him to you.

I wonder if you have ever considered availing yourself to the power of the Holy Spirit for the purpose of living missionally?

Imagine, the power of God coursing through your words as you leverage the Word of God for the purpose of the Salvation of those God providentially puts in your life.

You are not alone when it comes to sharing your faith! You are empowered by the Holy Spirit so whatever comes out of your mouth can be used of God to help transform the lives around you!

You have Holy Spirit δύναμις!

You have POWER from on High!

And because of this, you CAN live a missional life!

Without the Spirit of God, we can do nothing. We are as ships without wind. We are useless. - C.H. Spurgeon

The Holy Spirit is the one who brings conviction. It's not your job to convict or convince people—it's your job to witness, and the Holy Spirit will do the rest. - Billy Graham

In Acts 2, after the Holy Spirit came upon the disciples at Pentecost, Peter, who had previously denied Jesus, stood up and boldly preached to thousands.

As a result, 3,000 people came to Christ that day (Acts 2:41). Peter’s transformation and effectiveness were solely due to the empowering work of the Holy Spirit.

Without that power, Peter was fearful, but with it, he became a bold witness for Christ.

Okay, so how can you and I make this happen in our lives?

Pray for the empowering ministry of the Holy Spirit! Make this a regular part of your life!

Acts 4:31 (ESV)

And when they had prayed, the place in which they were gathered together was shaken, and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and continued to speak the word of God with boldness.

Obey the Word of God. As you study and grow in your knowledge of God’s Word, please remember to do what it says. After all, who wrote the Scriptures? The Holy Spirit!

And He will definitely empower you as you obey His Word!

John 14:26 (ESV)

But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you.

Faith in God! He will help you say what you need to say!

Study the Word. Memorize the Word. And believe the Holy Spirit will speak through you just at the right time and in the right way.

Matthew 10:19–20 (ESV)

When they deliver you over, do not be anxious how you are to speak or what you are to say, for what you are to say will be given to you in that hour. For it is not you who speak, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you.

Review - You Are God’s Partner in Your Witness Wherever You Go!

The Power Source for Missions Is Closer Than You Think!

2. The Role of Witness in Missions Is Crucial For Success

Acts 1:8 (ESV)

But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses…

Explanation

“…you will be my witnesses…”

You are called to the courtroom because you saw a devastating car accident. You were one of four people to see the tragic event. You are called to the stand to do something very important. You are to give the jury and the judge your side of the story. You are called to witness!

You are not called to convince, or argue, or give an eloquent presentation. You are simply called to witness to your side of the story.

Witnesses: A witness testifies to what they know and have experienced. Jesus is calling every believer to testify to the world what they have seen and heard in Christ.

This isn't just for professional missionaries or pastors but for every follower of Jesus.

We tell people what we know about Jesus.

Now, I want you to notice something else in this verse and I think it is very important.

Jesus tells His disciples…

“…you will be my witnesses…”

He doesn’t say…

“you might be my witnesses”

“Gee, I hope you will be my witnesses”

“Please, please, please be my witnesses”

None of that nonsense.

No, you, empowered by the Holy Spirit, WILL BE MY WITNESSES!

And they were his witnesses! And they were faithful witnesses.

So much so the church exploded!

And, by the way, their faithful witness didn’t end up very well for them in this life…

Peter (Simon) – Crucified upside down in Rome.

Andrew – Crucified on an X-shaped cross in Patras, Greece.

James the Greater (Son of Zebedee) – Beheaded by King Herod Agrippa I in Jerusalem.

John (Son of Zebedee) – Died of natural causes in Ephesus after exile to Patmos.

Philip – Crucified in Hierapolis (modern-day Turkey).

Bartholomew (Nathanael) – Flayed alive and beheaded in Armenia or crucified.

Thomas (Didymus) – Speared to death in India.

Matthew (Levi) – Martyred by the sword in Ethiopia or Persia.

James the Less (Son of Alphaeus) – Thrown from the Temple in Jerusalem and beaten to death.

Thaddeus (Jude, Judas son of James) – Martyred in Persia, beaten to death with a club.

Simon the Zealot – Martyred in Persia or crucified in Britain.

Matthias (Replaced Judas Iscariot) – Stoned and beheaded or crucified in Jerusalem.

Judas Iscariot – Hanged himself after betraying Jesus.

Sources: Eusebius of Caesarea, Church History; Foxe’s Book of Martyrs; Various early church traditions recorded by church fathers such as Origen, Tertullian, and others.

They were His witnesses just like He said.

They turned the world upside down and the church was not only born, but exploded onto the scene.

They paid the ultimate price.

And I am willing to bet, they are not too upset about the price they paid in comparison to the reward they have received.

This is the writer of Hebrews point in Hebrews 11, the “hall of faith.” Listen to verses 13-16…

Hebrews 11:13–16 (ESV)

These all died in faith, not having received the things promised, but having seen them and greeted them from afar, and having acknowledged that they were strangers and exiles on the earth. For people who speak thus make it clear that they are seeking a homeland. If they had been thinking of that land from which they had gone out, they would have had opportunity to return. But as it is, they desire a better country, that is, a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for he has prepared for them a city.

And now those faithful witnesses and the millions of witnesses throughout the centuries are resting in the city of God!

Do you know what the greek word for witness is?

A Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament and Other Early Christian Literature, 3rd ed. (μάρτυς)

μάρτυς

It is where we get our English word, martyr from.

Think about this for a minute. Witness and Martyr are synonomous.

Are you willing to witness for Christ?

Are you willing to be martyred for Christ?

They are one in the same.

And by the way, isn’t that what happens when you witness for Jesus?

A little part of you dies.

A little part of your pride dies

A little part of your reputation dies - now you are known as a Jesus Freak

A little part of your former way of life dies

By the way, that is what being a Christian is…

Galatians 2:20 (ESV)

I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.

You are a walking, talking, breathing, representation of Jesus Christ!

God has made you this.

Are you walking this out in your life?

If you refuse to witness for Christ, you really need to ask yourself if you are really a follower of Christ.

Friends, take this seriously!

Luke 9:26 (ESV)

For whoever is ashamed of me and of my words, of him will the Son of Man be ashamed when he comes in his glory and the glory of the Father and of the holy angels.

Oh church! Step up! Put your armor on!

Fight the good fight of faith and reach people with the life saving message that they can have a relationship with God through Christ!

Don’t be ashamed to be a witness for Jesus.

I am so grateful for the man that took the time to explain the gospel to me wasn’t ashamed!

"Every Christian is either a missionary or an impostor." — Charles Spurgeon

"The highest form of selfishness is that of the man who is content to go to heaven alone." — J.C. Ryle

"If Jesus Christ be God and died for me, then no sacrifice can be too great for me to make for Him." — C.T. Studd

What does it mean to be a witness in your context—at home, at work, and in your daily relationships.

How can you use your testimony to open the door for the gospel?

Is the way you are living reflect Christ?

Witnessing can look different—

acts of kindness

ask people how you can pray for them

sharing your faith

inviting neighbors to church

Whatever you do, remember, all you are is a witness telling people what you know about Jesus. The Holy Spirit will take care of the rest.

Review - You Are God’s Partner in Your Witness Wherever You Go!

The Power Source for Missions Is Closer Than You Think!

The Role of Witnesses in Missions Is Crucial For Success

3. The Scope of Missions is Nearer Than You Realize!

Acts 1:8 (ESV)

But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.”

When we think about a passage like this we often default in our thinking to global missions, we often picture missionaries—people with a special calling from God.

We imagine them as extraordinary individuals sent to other countries to preach the gospel, lead people to Christ, and disciple new believers as they form local churches. Amen and amen! This is missions.

Unfortunately we, in the church in America often times think that our ONLY role is to donate, pray, and encourage them as they do the work on our behalf.

But is that really all there is to missions?

No, it's not. What I described is part of missionary work, but missions are so much more.

Here’s something that might surprise you: you are called to missions!

The “you” in this verse refers to the original disciples. And because they faithfully carried out their mission, you are now a disciple.

Today, we have the glorious privilege of being witnesses to those God has placed in our lives.

Some of us may be called to other countries, but most of us are called to be salt and light right where we are.

Do you notice the concentric circles Luke mentions in Acts 1:8?

Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria, and the ends of the earth.

This is the progression of the gospel.

The gospel started in Jerusalem and went out reaching the world for Christ.

It was the disciples that accomplished this monumental task, empowered by the Holy Spirit.

It is interesting to understand what the Spirit was doing at each location.

Acts shows that at key moments when the gospel reaches new regions or groups (Jerusalem, Samaria, Gentiles), there is a corresponding manifestation of the Holy Spirit, often accompanied by speaking in tongues.

What does this mean?

Very importantly that salvation was not simply for the Jewish tongue, but for all tongues, all nations, and all tribes.

Jerusalem: Represents the immediate, local community.

Our “Jerusalem is our neighborhood, our workplace, and our daily circles of influence.

This is why we support ministries like Positive Options, The Family Life Center, Love INC, AIA, etc…

Judea and Samaria: Represents the surrounding regions and places that might be familiar but are often uncomfortable—perhaps places of social, racial, or cultural barriers.

When I think of our Judea and Samaria I think of what Pastor Luke Bylsma is doing in Utah.

There are many opportunities for the gospel in Michigan and in the United States.

Ends of the Earth: The call to global missions. This includes areas far from us where people have never heard the gospel.

This is the point, isn’t it.

Missions is Global, but it isn’t just global.

Missions is three pronged and we, as a church must be working all three prongs so as to be faithfully executing missional work.

Okay, so the question is obvious as we try to Drive Missions Home.

You and I are to, in one way or another, be involved in all three aspects of missions.

Your Jerusalem - Mom’s and Dads, what are you and your kids doing to reach your Jerusalem? All family units, we must be energizing these ministries.

The Faris family in our own church did a Back Yard Bible Club to reach their neighbors for Christ! Praise God!

Maybe you could host a block party or some type of neighborhood get together?

Figure our ways you can connect with your circle of influence intentionally.

What about Your Judea and Samaria? Next year, as one of our Missions by Faith endeavors, we want to have our youth and others minister with Pastor Luke as he reaches people for Christ in Utah. That is so cool!

Mom and dad, what short term, stateside missions trip could you plan with your family?

Maybe a Connection Group could team up to do a short-term, state side missions trip.

When I was a youth pastor, we used to have our teens run a VBS in our town, train them up and then head to another part of the country and run the same VBS as an outreach. We went to New York, and even Humboldt Park in Chicago! These were missions trips transformational in all of our lives!

Globally: How can families support or participate in overseas missions?

Prayer, Care, and Share -

Pray over our Missionary Prayer Cards - Pray over them as a family

"The wonderful thing about praying is that you leave a world of not being able to do something and enter God’s realm where everything is possible." — Corrie ten Boom

Email our missionaries - Share your life with them

Care packages to our missionaries -

Financial giving - Giving By Faith Missions. Next week you will be able to make a pledge for 2025 of what your are willing to give towards our goal of $75,000 for missional goals!

Short-term trips - Plan a trip overseas with your family or Connection Group

"God had only one Son, and He made Him a missionary." — David Livingstone

Local, national, or Global.

Review - You Are God’s Partner in Your Witness Wherever You Go!

The Power Source for Missions Is Closer Than You Think!

The Role of Witnesses in Missions Is Crucial For Success

The Scope of Missions is Nearer Than You Realize!

Conclusion

Do you remember the LifeWay statistic I gave you near the beginning of the sermon?

A study by LifeWay found that 25% of churchgoers reported sharing their faith once or twice in the past six months, but specific statistics for monthly sharing were not highlighted. However, the general trends suggest that while many Christians believe sharing their faith is important, actual consistent monthly outreach is less common. For example, 64% of Christians prayed for the salvation of someone in the past month, but this prayer does not always translate to sharing the gospel verbally​ (The Gospel Coalition)​(Christian Post)​(Christian Post).

I wonder why so many Christians do not share their faith? One would think that if one found a great treasure they would be strongly tempted to share the news with those around them?

So, perhaps the problem is the other 75% are just professing Christians and not POSSESSING Christians.

In other words, they are not Christians at all.

Why can I say this so confidently? Look at the verse again…

Acts 1:8 (ESV)

But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.”

It doesn’t say, might be…

Genuine followers of Christ WILL BE His witnesses.

Are you?

If you are not - then you should become a follower of Jesus today!

"Go, send, or disobey." — John Piper